The Oklahoma City Thunder managed to keep their hopes of emerging victorious against the Houston Rockets in their first round playoff series alive on Saturday night when they outlasted Mike D’Antoni’s team in overtime, 119-104.
Oklahoma City had to do it without the services of Steven Adams, its starting center and defensive anchor.
A closely contested competition, Adams exited the game for good with 24.4 seconds remaining in regulation and the Thunder trailing by three.
On what ended up being his final play of the contest, Adams was instrumental in forcing a Rockets turnover which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was able to turn into a go-ahead three-pointer in the games final minute.
Although it is not known if the play in question is what caused Adams’ injury, he exited the game immediately thereafter and did not return, even after the teams ended up continuing their battle into overtime.
During overtime, ESPN’s Malika Andrews reported that the center was doubtful to return with a right knee contusion. Fortunately for the Thunder, the team was able to pull away after James Harden was whistled for his sixth foul with about four minutes remaining in the extra period.
Steven Adams has a right knee contusion and doubtful to return for this OT game against the Rockets, the Thunder says.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 23, 2020
As a result, the Thunder will carry a 2-1 series deficit into Monday’s Game 4.
Rather than facing elimination, Chris Paul and company will have an opportunity to tie the series up at two games apiece.
In all likelihood, Adams’ status will be updated on Sunday.